SERVICES

Domestic and International Transport of Human Remains

Considering the diverse community we serve, families long to have their relatives laid to rest in their homeland, alongside the ancestors who passed before them. Repatriation is a service that most funeral homes in the area do not offer or encourage because of the stringent security requirements involved. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has implemented strict security measures making repatriation services of loved ones more difficult, time consuming and costly for families. 

In order for a funeral service provider to ship human remains nationally or international they must be a registered known shipper with one airline. Compagnola Funeral Home is a known shipper with all major airlines that service Philadelphia International Airport, as well as, all the major carriers in the tristate area. The TSA acknowledges known shippers are low risk and have passed safety inspections to allow human remains to be transported domestically or abroad.

Foreign consulates have specific requirements that must be satisfied before remains can be shipped. Before a funeral home can arrange transport of the deceased there are general documents that must be procured. All bodies transported must be accompanied by a Communicable Disease Affidavit, Embalmers Affidavit, Burial/Transfer Permit and Death Certificate. We have developed relationships with most of the consulates in the area and have the experience and knowledge to offer repatriation services without hesitation. Our network of affiliates enable us to provide families the following services:

• Domestic and International Logistics
• Consulate Documentation
• Apostille Certification
• Translation of all Pertinent Documents

Thankfully there is a Mexican Consulate in Philadelphia, a Guatemalan Consulate in Philadelphia,  a Dominican Consulate in Philadelphia.  All the Consulates here in Philadelphia are accessible for us and will assist with any paperwork needed to transfer human remains. 

Below are some basic costs and requirements imposed by the airlines and the receiving country.  Airfare costs vary by airline and flight times change without notice.   These costs will be in additional to our funeral home charges plus merchandise based on requests made by family.  A family member will be given flight itineraries after the consulate approve our documents.  Estimated airfare costs (subject to change without notice) via American Airlines from Philadelphia for human remains to the following countries/commonwealths are as follows:

Puerto Rico - When shipping to Puerto Rico,  the requirements are rather simple.   We just need to obtain a death certificate and transit permit to be compliant with the airlines. 

• Estimated Airfare to San Juan cargo under 499 lbs - $998.00

Dominican Republic - When shipping human remains to Dominican Republic,  all documents needs to be apostilled  and translated by the Consulate.   There is a Dominican Consulate in Philadelphia which makes the process incredibly easy.   The Dominican Consulate in Philadelphia will assist with Repatriation of human remains.

• Estimated Airfare to Santo Domingo/Santiago under 499lbs cargo  - $1770.00
• Consulate Fee - $160.00
• Apostille - $60.00 ( 4 documents need an Apostille prior to Consulate clearance)

Mexico - Shipping human remains to Mexico, the death certificate needs an apostille from the state of death.  All the documents need to be translated by the Mexican Consulate in Philadelphia.  The Consulate will attach visas to documents.  There is a Mexican Consulate in Philadelphia that will help assist with repatriation. 

• Airfare to Mexico City cargo under 450lbs – $1750.00
• Apostille fee - $15.00 each.  Apostille needed on the Death Certificate only. 

Guatemala - With funeral shipping to Guatemala City, all documents need an apostille or a consular seal.   There is a Guatemalan Consulate in Philadelphia.  The Guatemalan Consulate in Philadelphia will assist with repatriation. 

*  Estimated Airfare to Guatemala City - $1770.00

* Consular Receipt in Philadelphia  - $30

These prices are estimated based on weight and destination.  All prices imposed by airlines and consulates are subject to change without notice.  These prices do not include funeral home charges, merchandise or other fees associated with any ceremonies, rites, or visitations.